leika tveim skjǫldum

Old Norse

Etymology

Literally, “to play with two shields”.

Phrase

leika tveim skjǫldum

1. (idiomatic) to play both sides against the middle
   • c. 965, Eyvindr skáldaspillir, loose stanza 10[1]

     […] Trúr vas’k tyggja dýrum; · tveim skjǫldum lék’k aldri;
     fylli’k flokk þinn, stillir; · fellr á hendr mér elli.

     […] I was true to the dear leader; with two shields I never played.
     I fill your retinue, ruler; old age falls upon my hands.

Descendants

• Icelandic: leika tveim skjöldum
• → Swedish: leka med två sköldar (calque)